Resume Action Verbs: A List of Action Verbs for Resume Writing

Action verbs (also called power words) are powerful verbs that conjure a stronger sense of doing than other verbs. They’re not necessarily a different part of speech or a technical classification of verbs—rather, they’re a rising buzzword in resume writing and other forms of business communication.

Using powerful action verbs—like “mobilized” or “spearheaded”—when you describe past work experience can make your resume stand out and sound more impressive to recruiters than one using more passive-sounding verbs like “worked with” or “utilized.” It can also provide potential employers with a more precise understanding of what your past awards and achievements entailed.

For example, consider a resume line that starts out with “Led a team of five”—and now consider th same line with a stronger action verb, like “Mentored a team of five.” The strong action verb amplifies the concept and will draw the attention of hiring managers used to seeing the run-of-the-mill “led.”

Here are some resume action words to help paint a picture of your communication skills, creative skills, technical skills, leadership skills, and problem-solving capabilities for potential employers:

• Cataloged
• Compiled
• Computed
• Conceptualized
• Critiqued
• Debugged
• Familiarized
• Furthered
• Inventoried
• Mediated
• Mentored
• Navigated
• Oversaw
• Piloted
• Pioneered
• Quantified
• Streamlined
• Systematized
• Tutored

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